2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift longterm review: Introduction

The Swift was probably the most awaited hatchback of 2018 and this month, we have inducted one into our long-term loaner fleet. It is a diesel automatic and happens to be the same car we shot last month for our story featuring the Swift hatchbacks from all three generations. My personal garage already has a Swift diesel from the previous generation and this new one stands right next to it.

I'm sure my neighbors believe that I have some sort of an eternal love for this model line. Truth be told, I do like the Swift for its ability to combine urban practicality with a playful, hot-hatch character. This is, however, the first time that I will live with this package with the added convenience of an automatic. The automated transmission (AGS) has impressed me during the road test, and it should be interesting to see how it fares on my daily commutes. So far, its been more of a highway mile-muncher.

The automatic variants don't get the machined-finish wheels, but these look good too. If this was my own car, I would paint them white

I was told that before it began its stint with us, this particular car was being used as a demonstration unit at the Pune dealership since it was the only diesel automatic around. It seems to have been cared for well though, except for a few scratches behind the front door handles. It is a bummer that unlike our long-term Dzire tester, the diesel automatic Swift can't be specified in the range-topping trim. The convenience, therefore, comes at the cost of LED headlamps and the rich infotainment system. In fact, the audio system is what we will talk about in our next report, along with the performance of the AMT, of course. Watch this space.

Inducted in: Mar 2018 | Inducted at: 1,688km | Total mileage: 2,113km | Fuel: 26 litres | Economy: 16.2kmpl

Next update: Fuel economy and the merits and de-merits of AMT.